Moto GP 2 Review

The surprise Xbox Live game of 2002 has a sequel.

Of course, all this simulation fun must be shared with your friends. That's why Moto GP 2 offers a four player split screen mode (which when it's only two players can be divided horizontally or vertically) or sixteen person system link. In multiplayer, all modes are available for play, including a multiplayer only mode called Tag. Tag divides the course up into segments and whoever finishes a segment in the fastest time "owns" that section of the course until someone beats that time. Tag is divided into three games. Monopolization is where you can gain points by completing a section you already own in a faster time. King of the Corner gives you points for maintaining possession of certain segments. Winner Take All is where you steal points from other riders by capturing sections they own.

Xbox Live

What good would any racing game be if you could easily smoke the AI and all your friends and neighbors? If you crave an extra outlet for competition, Moto GP 2, like the original, is fully compatible with Xbox Live. That means you can take on the best racers (fifteen besides you at a time) in the world in any of the multiplayer modes.

Live features all the standard options such as Quick Match, Optimatch, and Create a Match. In Optimatch and Create a Match, you can choose the difficulty level you compete in to make sure you're racing in your own league.

While the Live offerings are fairly standard, the neat thing about Moto GP 2 is that Xbox Live is fully integrated into the game. If you already have your Xbox connected to a DSL connection, when you load up Moto GP 2, the game will automatically log you into Live. This makes the transition from online to offline play is virtually seamless. No longer does Live feel like a cumbersome addition that requires loading up a different version of a game. Now, if your Xbox is connected, you are able to check your friends list and top fastest laps out of all XBL gamers from menus in the offline mode of Moto GP 2, instead of having to be in Xbox Live multiplayer.

Graphics

Moto GP 2 is one of the prettiest games on Xbox. The motorcycles and racers are all beautifully animated and modeled, which makes the whole experience seem like a real life simulation. Your rider shifts in his seat as he takes turns and leans forward at your command. If you bump into another rider, your opponent will shake his fist at you in anger.

The most stunning visuals are the crashes. Watch in horror as your racer contorts in all sorts of ways by somersaulting, flying through the air, or rolling across the ground. It truly looks like a form of painful acrobatics. When you once again mount your bike, you'll notice parts where your paint has scratched.

Detail wasn't just given to your focal point, the racer, but also to the environments. Granted that there isn't usually much besides road, grass, and the occasional tree, backgrounds never seem flat. Everything from the clouds in the sky to the tire marks burned into the pavement creates the illusion that you're on a real course. To further the illusion, your tires will leave black streaks when you skid around a turn that will stay there throughout the race. When you head off-road, your tires will cut a line through the grass or kick up gravel or sand.

Even the rain is incredibly real. Droplets form on the screen when you follow too closely behind other racers. The wet surface causes water vapor to trail behind your bike, and the sky is reflected on the road. Overall, Moto GP 2's visuals are unbelievably stunning.

Sound

With all the effort put into the gameplay and graphics of Moto GP 2, the sound stands out as being its weakest attribute. Yes, there are the sounds of revving engines, squealing tires, and crashing bikes, but it doesn't do enough to make it sound like you're on the track.

Your aural experience is also hindered by a generic rock soundtrack that does little to aid the game's atmosphere. Fortunately, Moto GP 2 does include the option of using custom soundtracks, so you at least can find something appealing to listen to compensate for the comparatively weak sound effects.

Moto GP vs. Moto GP 2

The real test of any sequel is how it improves upon the original. Sadly to say, in this regard, Moto GP 2 fails miserably. There are a few more tracks, unlockable highlights videos, improved graphics, and better crash visuals, but Moto GP 2 is in most respects the very same game as Moto GP. The only significant change is the integration of Xbox Live into offline modes, but this feature isn't enough to call for a Moto GP sequel. Hopefully, if THQ plans on rolling Moto GP 3 onto the track, there will be some notable additions.

The Verdict

Moto GP 2 is a game that will satisfy anyone's crotch rocket or simulation fantasies. The detail paid to both the physics engine and the graphics is remarkable and worth seeing if you crave realism. The fact that Moto GP 2 is essentially a Moto GP 1.5 means that those that already own the original have no reason to upgrade to the sequel. If you failed to pick up Moto GP, Moto GP 2 is a worthy addition to any racing fan's library.